Old Friends

Taking Care of Your Old Friends

Just like us humans, older animals need special care.

Many of the older dogs that come to Best Friends need special care for arthritis problems. Older cats have often developed kidney conditions. But they all need a full checkup to see what health concerns may be lurking.

"We have elevated beds, cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, and soft music playing," says staffer Lila Simmons, who looks after the older dogs. "They all have special diets, and Dr. Virg and her team visit them all at least once a week, and prescribe lots of glucosamine for their bones and joints."

The older cats have special diets, too, especially for their kidneys. And, like the dogs, they get lots of attention from all the members of Best Friends that come visiting - lots of grooming and cuddling, and short walks for the older dogs.

Here are some tips for your older pets at home:

• Have a quiet, stable atmosphere. Don't keep moving the furniture around, and don't have a lot of rowdy people invading your pet's space.
• Older pets often need ramps instead of steps. And put carpets under any furniture that they like to jump on, in case they fall while jumping.
• More frequent checkups are essential. And check out some alternative health care, too. Acupuncture and homeopathy can be very helpful for geriatric conditions

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